Personal Statement
Hi, my name is Katie Ruge. I am a junior at Millard North High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and will be graduating high school in May 2022.
Since I was very young, whether I was at golf practice, a tennis lesson, or gymnastic practice, I have always put forth my effort to succeed in whatever I do. As I have grown, my love for golf really began to prevail and has become my main focus.
I have been playing competitive golf consistently since the 4th grade, but my golf game has significantly provided the past two years. I have challenged myself by playing in a mixture of competitive tournaments including AJGA, HJGT, and NGA (Nebraska Golf Association) State Championships.
My first experience competing on a national level was at the 44th Jr. PGA Championship in 2018. This tournament gave me the opportunity to compete with top athletes competing in the U.S. and motivated me to improve and take my game to the next level. Last summer I was the second youngest junior to ever win the Nebraska Women’s Match Play Championship in its 97 year history, won Pepsi’s Little People’s 2020 Virtual Golf Championship (74 average) , averaged 75 in AJGA summer tournament play which included a Top 10 finish and was Runner Up (one stroke short of winning) two Nebraska Championship Tournaments including the Nebraska Girls’ Amateur Championship and Nebraska Jr. Girls’ PGA Championship.
I am a highly competitive and passionate person. I have set many goals for myself in 20201 which include: aspire to play on a D1 competitive women’s golf team, average 72.0 or lower in tournament play, improve my short game from 100 yards in, and most importantly to improve my athletic ability and golf skills every single day.
Finding the right school to support my goals academically as a student athlete is very important. I work hard both on and off the golf course with a GPA of 4.1 on a 4.0 scale taking challenging honors and AP classes. I love being a role model and Team Captain for the girls on my high school team, I serve as a Mustang Mentor at school, I’m a Board Member of the Student Council, and enjoy volunteering and giving back to my community.
I’m very lucky to have people supporting me in my life and on my golf journey. My parents, brother, coaches, and friends have all helped me to get to where I am today.
